Cayenne – Félix Éboué Airport (CAY)

Cayenne – Félix Éboué Airport (CAY), situated approximately 13 kilometers southwest of the capital city Cayenne in the commune of Matoury, serves as the primary international gateway to the French overseas department of French Guiana. Named after a prominent French colonial administrator and Resistance hero, the airport is a critical hub for both international traffic from mainland France and regional connections within the Amazonian territory. The airport is managed by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of French Guiana and acts as a vital link between South America and the European Union.

The airport operates through a single, well-organized terminal building that handles both domestic and international traffic. The entrance hall is spacious and features a dedicated customer information desk to assist travelers with flight details and local orientation. Essential services such as cash machines (ATMs) are readily available, and the terminal is designed for efficient movement from check-in to boarding. For those arriving by car, the airport provides over 500 parking spaces, and several major car rental agencies including Avis, Europcar, and Hertz operate directly from the terminal, facilitating easy exploration of the surrounding region.

Inside the terminal, passengers have access to a variety of amenities designed to enhance the travel experience. Dining options include several restaurants and cafes serving a mix of French and local Guianese cuisine. For shopping, there are duty-free outlets offering a selection of perfumes, cosmetics, and local specialties like Guianese rum and coffee. Premium travelers and frequent flyers can utilize the Air France lounge, which offers a quiet environment with complimentary Wi-Fi, refreshments, and business services. The airport also features various shops selling travel essentials and souvenirs from local artisans.

Cayenne – Félix Éboué Airport provides crucial connectivity, with direct long-haul flights to Paris (Orly and Charles de Gaulle) operated by Air France and Air Caraïbes. It also serves as a regional hub for Air Guyane, providing essential lifeline flights to remote interior communes such as Maripasoula and Saül. Additionally, there are strong links to neighboring Caribbean territories like Martinique and Guadeloupe, as well as international connections to hubs like Miami and Port-au-Prince. This blend of transcontinental and regional service makes CAY an indispensable piece of infrastructure for the political and economic life of French Guiana.